What is the difference between depression and sadness?

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Millions of people around the world experience sadness or even depression at some point in their lives. Recognizing how different depression is from normal sadness can help you handle both in the right way for health benefits.

1. What is the difference between depression and sadness?

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in America. Feeling sad is an integral symptom of depression, but the two are not the same. Knowing and understanding how depression is different from sadness can help you recognize when you need treatment. In other words, identifying the difference between sadness and depression is important for you to improve your own health.

1.1. Sad

Sadness is a normal human emotion. Anyone will go through times of stress or sadness.
Some life events can make you feel sad or unhappy. Loss of a job or a loved one, divorce, loss of income, financial troubles or certain family problems can all affect mood in a negative way. Failing an exam, not getting a job, or having a disappointing performance can also create sadness.
When feeling sad or down, people often distract themselves by doing something they love or talking to a loved one. A person who is experiencing sadness will feel more relieved after crying, venting, or voicing frustration.
Usually, sadness has a connection with a specific cause and will pass with time. If it persists or if you are unable to return to a normal life, this could be a sign of depression. When you find that your mood is getting worse or sad for more than 2 weeks, you should see a psychologist.

1.2. Depression

Depression is a mental disorder that alters behavior and attitudes, greatly affecting a person's life. Sometimes people who are sad have moments where they can laugh or be comforted. But depression is different from sadness. Your emotions will affect all aspects of your life. This is a mental illness, not a fleeting emotional one.
This disease can happen to anyone, regardless of sex or age. In 2015, approximately 16.1 million Americans 18 years of age and older experienced at least one major depressive episode, representing 6.7% of all adults in the country. Symptoms include:
Feeling depressed. Sorrow. Hopeless. Lack of motivation. Losing interest in things you used to enjoy. In severe cases, the person may think or attempt suicide. They no longer want to spend time with family and friends, may stop pursuing their hobbies, or feel unable to go to work or school.
A health care professional may diagnose you with major depressive disorder if the following symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks:
Depressive mood persists throughout the day, occurring every day with noticeable signs I mean despair and sadness. Loss of interest in normal activities. Significant weight loss or gain for no apparent reason. Insomnia, trouble sleeping, or an increased amount of sleep interferes with a normal activity schedule. Fatigue and lack of energy. Every day I feel worthless or excessively guilty. Inability to concentrate or make decisions. Having repeated thoughts of death or suicide, trying or planning suicide. If you experience these 5 symptoms for more than 2 weeks, your doctor will diagnose you with a health problem, not just persistent sadness. Unlike sadness, depression can make it very difficult for a person to get through the day.

2. Treatment of depression

The doctor can determine the necessary ways to manage the symptoms of depression. Once diagnosed, treatments may include medication, counseling, and psychotherapy.

2.1. Use medicine

Medicines that can help people with depression contain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps improve mood. Some SSRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline.
These medications can ease symptoms of depression, but they also carry the risk of adverse side effects. For example, when first taking an antidepressant, your symptoms may get worse and then gradually improve. Family members of people taking the drug should monitor them closely and contact a doctor immediately if symptoms worsen.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concern that some SSRIs may increase suicidal ideation in young people and may pose risks to the unborn baby if used. use during pregnancy.
As a result, these medicines all have important warnings, stating the potential dangers on the fact sheet. When prescribing an SSRI, a physician must carefully weigh the pros and cons of using the drug.

2.2. Psychotherapy and counseling

Psychotherapy is a way for patients to talk to a trained professional. Your therapist will help you identify your problem, provide guidance on how to cope, and provide a realistic analysis of your condition.
Patients can choose psychotherapy or antidepressant medication. Sometimes, people with major depression will be required to be hospitalized if medical staff perceive they are in danger of suicide or inability to care for themselves. In addition, psychotherapy clinics can help with long-term care.

3. Coping with sadness

Here are some ways to experience normal sadness in a healthy way and enrich your life with this emotion:
Allow yourself to be sad: Repressing such emotions can cause a lot of problems. more damage over time. Cry if you feel the need and notice if you feel better after the tears stop. Plan a recovery day: You can spend a day or an evening alone, listening to soft music, and monitoring your thoughts and feelings. Taking the time to experience real sadness will help you feel better, eventually get over it, and put you in a better mood. Think and write about sad feelings: Are you sad about a loss or an unhappy event? Understanding why you're sad and exploring those feelings can help you feel better. Go for a walk: Sometimes, a little fresh air and a little quiet time can change your mood and perspective. Call a loved one: A friend or family member can help you vent your emotions and work through your sadness. Reward yourself: You can soak in a hot tub, take a nap, or indulge in some delicious chocolate to restore your mood. Create laughter: Watch a favorite comedy or find funny videos on social media. Keep a gratitude journal: Focus on the positive. Even if you have only one very small thing to be grateful for each day, it will keep you away from negative, sad feelings. Sadness can be the result of an unexpected change or signal your life needs a change. Change is often stressful but necessary for growth. If you're sad because you need to change something, think about the results that make your life happier.

4. Control sadness and depression

Overcoming both sadness and depression takes effort. Make sure to get to the clinic on time if you're having treatment with a psychologist. Say whatever you think is unnecessary or irrelevant. In addition, there are some other tips to help you manage both sadness and depression:
Set an alarm clock and wake up at the same time each day: Maintain a good self-care and routine yourself will help you manage your life easier. Physical activity as a habit: Exercise - sport can boost your mood and improve your health. Don't isolate yourself: Take some time each day to meet in person or over the phone with someone you like. Continue activities that used to bring you joy or try new activities that interest you: Having something to look forward to will help improve your mood. In short, if you're going through a period of sadness, proactive lifestyle changes can help. For depression, simple lifestyle changes may not be enough to help you recover. You will probably need to attend drug therapy or psychotherapy to manage your symptoms.
To be able to "Bring the perfect choice in health care", Vinmec is very interested in and appreciates the importance of psychological care in today's modern society. Since then, Vinmec Psychological Clinic was born, operating since April 2019 with the direct participation of a team of psychologists, seasoned doctors, well-trained, to meet the needs of intensive examination and treatment. In addition, Vinmec Psychological Health Clinic cooperates with leading professors, experts, and lecturers in psychiatry from Hanoi Medical University, and frontline hospitals nationally and internationally.
Clinics carry out examination, counseling and outpatient treatment of psychological and mental health problems. With modern equipment, Vinmec psychological clinic is capable of deploying psychological tests and intensive psychotherapy for medical examination and treatment. Each case will be examined and appropriate treatment applied, when necessary, combining both psychology and drug use according to the world's most advanced and up-to-date regimens.
With enthusiasm and love for the profession, the team of expert doctors at the Psychological Clinic, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital will bring customers effective health care services with quality service. tallest.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference articles: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, verywellmind.com, webmd.com